Andrej Kramaric: Perfect deputy to former Hoffenheim star Firmino at Liverpool?

Manchester City v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - UEFA Champions League Group F
Manchester City v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - UEFA Champions League Group F

With Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge both likely to leave at the end of the season, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool must sign a new striker as a deputy to Roberto Firmino. Both Origi and Sturridge have scored a total of seven goals in over thirty combined appearances. These strikers have not been able to help Klopp from the bench this season.

Although they have scored one or two crucial goals, the strikers have failed to create an impact on the game coming off the bench most of the times. In the absence of Firmino, Liverpool’s attack does not look threatening when Origi or Sturridge start in the Brazilian’s place. This has resulted in Liverpool losing some points this season which has affected their position in the title race.

Time's running up for Sturridge and Origi at Liverpool
Time's running up for Sturridge and Origi at Liverpool

The German manager must replace Origi and Sturridge with a proven goal-scorer who can score goals consistently and provide competition to Firmino. With Timo Werner, a long term Liverpool target, agreeing on a deal with FC Bayern Munich, according to some reports, Klopp should turn his attention towards Andrej Kramaric.

The Croatian has been Hoffenheim’s top-scorer this season and had an excellent Champions League group stage campaign where he scored five goals in five starts for the German club. The 27-year-old who previously played for Leicester City has thrived in Germany ever since joining Hoffenheim in January of 2016.

The Croatian has scored 38 goals in 87 appearances for Hoffenheim after Julian Nagelsmann signed him on a permanent deal from Leicester. He is one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga. The striker has been Nagelsmann’s best player for the last few seasons. His presence up front has helped his team compete for UCL places, a big jump from fighting relegation just three seasons ago. He is a proven goal-scorer and is a threat high up the field. The striker’s movement up front makes him a pretty hard player to mark. He possesses immense finishing skills which make him one of the best poachers in the football today. The 27-year-old is a very versatile player on the field. He has got the skills to play anywhere in midfield along with his natural striking position.

A second stint in English may prove the right move for Kramaric
A second stint in English may prove the right move for Kramaric

The Hoffenheim striker will be the perfect player for Liverpool. He can provide good competition to former Hoffenheim man Roberto Firmino at Anfield. The Croatian is excellent at scoring from set-pieces. Kramaric can bring goals to the club when the club’s attackers are out of their goal-scoring touch. He is a very hard-working player who can add to the squad depth at Anfield. The former Leicester man can bring a lot of quality to Liverpool’s attacking department. For Klopp, Kramaric will be a much-needed upgrade over Origi and Sturridge. With his added quality, he can help the team challenge for a lot more trophies.

For Kramaric, it will be the perfect time to return to the Premier League with Liverpool. Playing for a top European club will help the Croatian grow a lot more as a player. Coming back to England next season will be a good time for Kramaric to prove his doubters wrong. He was a flop at Leicester but now he is in the form of his life. Playing under Jurgen Klopp will develop the Croatian into a stronger player. Just like the former Hoffenheim player Firmino, Kramaric is destined to be a hit at Anfield.

Quick Links

Edited by Kaushal Raj